The Blue Crew was out in full force at Escondido High School on Thursday, as #16-ranked CSUSM volleyball faced its toughest home test of the season against #3 Concordia.  Despite the great atmosphere and a grade-A effort, the visiting Eagles came out on top 3 sets to 1.

Concordia improves to 19-1 on the season.  CSUSM drops to 16-6.

Unlike the first meeting between these teams, when Concordia rolled over the Cougars in straight sets, Coach Andrea Leonard's Cougars came out looking fantastic on Thursday, landing a body blow early on by taking the first set 26-24.  Outside hitter Taylor DeGraaf, who was absolutely brilliant throughout the match, was on fire in the first set, helping the Cougars to a robust team hitting percentage of .356.  After getting up 24-21, CSUSM lost the next three points to allow the match to become knotted at 24; but a kill by DeGraaf followed by a kill by Lindsey Sappington on match point gave CSUSM the set and sent the crowd into an absolute frenzy.

It would not last, however, as Concordia immediately responded by taking a commanding 8-2 lead in the second set.  The hardworking Cougars would get within 3 points late in the game, but never overcome the early deficit, falling 25-17.

The crucial third set was taut with tension throughout, as the teams stayed within a couple points of each other until Concordia posted a stretch of taking 5 of 7 points to go up 20-15.  The Eagles would hold on to take it 25-19.

The fourth set played out much the same way, with the teams knotted midway through but Concordia putting together a little stretch to take control of the game and ultimately win 25-19.  CSUSM had no answer to Concordia's size, with the visitors posting a .338 hitting percentage for the match compared to the Cougars' .197.  Concordia recorded 12 team blocks to CSUSM's 7 as well.

DeGraaf not only led CSUSM with 23 kills and a .362 hitting percentage for the match, but also in digs with 23.  Nichole May recorded 20 digs but failed to tally an ace for the first time all season, while Alyssa Foster had a nice match with 41 assists.

CSUSM will be back at home next Wednesday against Hope International at 7:00 PM.